2013 Ford Escape Review

It’s been a while since I have been in a Ford Escape. Having always been a passenger and never the driver I was excited to test out the 2013 Ford Escape. The newest in Ford’s SUV line it has loads of little extras that make it both economical and fun. The technology is pretty seamless and provides an enjoyable ride that makes you feel like a smart driver for choosing such a sleek, versatile vehicle.

Exterior

On the outside the Escape has a brand new design. It’s aerodynamic (10% more) with the new Standard Active Grille shutters to help reduce wind resistance when open and reduce drag when closed. The car is compact and offers a comfortable ride on both highway and city driving with two types of EcoBoost engines (1.6L & 2.0L). One of my favorite parts of this SUV is the very handy foot-activated liftgate. It makes life incredibly easy when you are loading up the car on a grocery run, trek to Target, nursery or hardware store. Or as I did with loading up the cargo space with Christmas and birthday presents one weekend. Using the Intelligent Access key (just needs to be in a pocket or purse) you simply kick out your foot under the bumper and the power liftgate opens automatically. It makes access easy and fast and can be shut with the push of a button.

Stats

The Escape offers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (1.6 L EcoBoost) and 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (2.0 L EcoBoost) with Intelligent 4WD for better traction on the road, monitoring external signals, accelerator pedal position, wheel speed, steering wheel angle and assessing road conditions. The Escape senses blind spots while driving with the Integrated Blind Spot mirrors which are helpful while driving on I-95. Overall, what is one of the best aspects of the Escape is that the vehicle can handle driver and road input about 20 times faster than the average car on the road. You can feel this almost immediately when you drive it. You feel safer too. It’s what the new Ford cars are all about and I have to say, it’s love.

Inside the Escape there are lots of details to love from the umbrella holder tucked on the side of the drivers seat to the intuitive SYNC system with MyFord Touch, which offers drivers various ways to use and manage the information on their phones and the car through voice commands, buttons, knobs, a touch screen and the steering wheel. All of it is within easy reach and doesn’t take a long time to figure out. Material-wise the Escape is quite nice. It is a comfortable, more luxurious version of its former self that might feel a bit compact to those used to a bigger car but is just right for a family with two kids or less. The rear seats fold down flat easily while the head rests can go down with a touch of a button. The additional under the seat storage in the back and cargo area are great finds and good places to store valuable like laptops or extra gear.

Overall the all new 2013 Ford Escape offers drivers a unique, fun and smart way to drive. It has a lot of extras at an affordable price ($27,200 MSRP). It is safe and full of options that many drivers will love. It handles well and gives you a real feel for the road.

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review only. Opinions are MPR’s only.